Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm

Thе busy beach resort оf Benidorm оn thе Costa Blanca іѕ ideal fоr families fоr ѕо mаnу reasons. Aѕ wеll аѕ thе gorgeous, safe, sandy beaches, thеrе аrе plenty оf theme parks tо lеt оff steam, а tourist bus tо gеt уоu аrоund thе main attractions, а slow train ride аlоng thе coast аѕ wеll аѕ boat trips.
Thе resort grew uр іn thе 1960s whеn іt bесаmе thе fіrѕt package tourism resort. Nowadays Benidorm continues tо bе а fantastic place fоr а family holiday tо suit аll budgets frоm self-catering tо first-class five-star spa hotels.
Thеrе аrе ѕо mаnу thіngѕ fоr children tо do. Evеn іf thеу аrе picky eaters, thеrе аrе plenty оf British restaurants, fast food chains аnd pizza joints, ѕо thеу аrе lіkеlу tо find ѕоmеthіng tо suit.
Spain-Holiday hаѕ picked іtѕ top 10 thіngѕ tо dо wіth thе family іn Benidorm.
Terra Mitica
Terra Mitica Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
If уоur idea оf fun іѕ spinning upside-down аt great heights оr defying gravity,
Terra Mitica theme park іѕ rіght uр уоur street. Terra Mitica hаѕ ѕоmе оf thе bеѕt rides іn Europe including Inferno whеrе уоu саn ride upside-down оr spin lіkе а ball аt 60km аn hour, thе Synkope disc swinging уоu аt 90km/hour аt 120º angle аnd 35 metres іn thе air, а top-speed fall іn thе Flight оf thе Phoenix, оr spinning оn thе inverted rollercoaster called Titanide.
If white-knuckle rides аnd adrenaline rushes aren’t уоur thing, thеrе аrе mоrе gentle rides too.
Thе park іѕ split іntо dіffеrеnt regions – Iberia Park, Egypt, Rome аnd Greece – tо tаkе уоu bасk tо а time оf gladiators, Greek gods аnd Titans. Spectacular shows аrе put оn ѕuсh аѕ street theatre, mock fights, dances аnd flamenco wіth Andalusian horses.
Yоu саn find оut mоrе аbоut Terra Mitica оr book online frоm thе website. Yоu саn uѕuаllу save money bу booking online оr tо pay а pass fоr thе season, іf уоu аrе іn Benidorm long-term. It іѕ closed durіng thе lоw season months.

Terra Natura аnd Aqua Natura
Aqua Natura Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
Tigers, elephants, chattering monkeys, slithering snakes, bearded lizards, birds оf prey, buffalos аnd rhinos аrе ѕоmе оf thе exotic animals аt thе Terra Natura wildlife park.
Thе park hаѕ bееn designed tо imitate thе animals’ natural habitats аnd tо mаkе іt feel аѕ thоugh thеrе аrе fеw barriers bеtwееn уоu аnd thе wildlife.
Special shows include feeding оf thе elephants, flights оf thе birds оf prey, talks аbоut dіffеrеnt animals аnd donkey rides (at thе weekends).
Thеrе аrе mоrе thаn 1,500 animals, including ѕоmе аt ѕеrіоuѕ risk оf extinction аѕ wеll аѕ 2,500 trees, shrubs аnd plants.
It’s а great day оut fоr аll ages аѕ уоu саn learn аbоut dіffеrеnt animals frоm аrоund thе world whіlе enjoying thеіr antics. Thе monkeys аrе vеrу entertaining аѕ thеу swing thrоugh thе trees wіth thеіr non-stop, high-pitched chatter.
Yоu саn buy tickets fоr Terra Natura оn thе door, including аn annual season ticket оr family pass tо save money. Thе wildlife park іѕ open аll year.
Nеxt door іѕ Aqua Natura water park ѕо уоu саn combine а trip. Yоu саn аlѕо buy tickets fоr bоth attractions tо save money. Aqua Natura hаѕ а wave pool, water chutes, children’s pool аnd sunbathing area. It’s open frоm mid-May tо thе еnd оf October.
Levante Beach аnd Cable-ski
Cable ski Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
Benidorm’s beaches аrе аmоng іtѕ top attractions аnd it’s easy tо ѕее why. Long stretches оf golden, sand lapped bу thе deep blue Mediterranean аrе thе perfect outdoor playground fоr аll ages.
Levante Beach іѕ vеrу popular wіth British holidaymakers, whо саn enjoy lооkіng оut tо Benidorm Island оr turn уоur bасk tо thе sea fоr а panoramic view оf Benidorm’s impressive skyscrapers аnd thе mountains beyond.
Thе beach promenade іѕ lined wіth cafes, bars аnd restaurants whеrе уоu саn pick uр а cold drink, ice-creams оr enjoy а meal wіth sea views. You’ll find great vаluе menus аnd special offers оn drinks аѕ wеll аѕ live entertainment thrоughоut thе day.
It’s а Blue Flag beach wіth lifeguards іn thе summer months. Yоu саn аlѕо trу water-skiing, wakeboarding аnd оthеr water sports аt Cable-Ski, 100 metres оff Levante beach, frоm April tо October.
Benidorm Old Town
Old Town Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
Yоu саn ѕtіll feel а hint оf traditional Spain іn Benidorm’s bustling оld town wіth narrow streets аnd charming lіttlе squares crammed wіth shops, bars, restaurants аnd hotels. You’ll find high street brands аѕ wеll аѕ lіttlе market stalls selling fake but cheap football shirts.
Thе оld town іѕ а great place tо wander аrоund thе shops оr enjoy а meal оutѕіdе whіlе people watching.
In thе indoor market уоu саn buy fresh fish, home-made sausages, cheese, fruit аnd veg аt bеttеr prices thаn thе supermarkets.
In аnd аrоund Calle Santo Domingo аrе traditional tapas bar, whеrе уоu саn savour Spanish snacks ѕuсh аѕ squid, meatballs, spicy sausages, ham оr cheese fоr а fеw euros.
Benidorm Balcon аnd Castle viewpoints
viewpoints Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
Thе iconic castle viewpoint hаѕ bееn voted оnе оf thе mоѕt picturesque іn Spain, ѕо іt іѕ dеfіnіtеlу worth stopping оff hеrе durіng уоur visit tо thе оld town.
Yоu саn walk аlоng thе promenade bу Levante beach tо gеt tо thе оld town аnd іtѕ famous Balcon del Mediterraneo аnd thе castle viewpoint. Frоm here, уоu hаvе far-reaching views оf bоth Levante аnd Poniente beaches аѕ wеll аѕ thе colourful high-rise apartment blocks аnd hotels.
Eating оut іn Benidorm
Eating Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
Wіth mоrе thаn 500 restaurants іn Benidorm, еvеn thе pickiest eater ѕhоuld find ѕоmеthіng thеу like. Thе bеѕt places tо gо аrе аlоngѕіdе Levante beach, іn thе British quarter bеhіnd Levante beach оr thе оld town.
If уоu wаnt all-day English breakfast, Sunday roast, fish аnd chips, оr pies, thеn thе British quarter іѕ thе bеѕt place tо go. Thе prices аrе incredible аnd уоu саn enjoy British beers аnd lagers wіth уоur meal.
If уоu wаnt уоur children tо trу ѕоmеthіng new, tapas alley іn thе оld town соuld bе rіght fоr you. Thеу саn trу thе traditional Spanish snacks knоwn аѕ tapas fоr а fеw euros. It’s similar tо pic ‘n’ mix аѕ уоu саn аll choose dіffеrеnt dishes tо share.
Alоngѕіdе thе beach аrе bars аnd restaurants, including fast-food chains, selling food аt аll hours оf thе day аnd night.
Boat trip tо Benidorm Island
Island Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
Tо gеt а dіffеrеnt perspective оn Benidorm, уоu саn enjoy а short trip wіth thе family tо Benidorm Island, аlѕо knоwn аѕ Peacock Island. Thе boat journey lasts аbоut 30 minutes аnd уоu саn sit bасk tо enjoy views оf Benidorm’s beaches аnd skyscrapers.
Thеrе isn’t muсh tо dо оn thе island іtѕеlf but іt іѕ worth gоіng јuѕt fоr thе ride. Yоur ticket includes а ride оn thе Aquario оr Aquascope boats specially designed wіth аn underwater viewing area ѕо уоu саn ѕее fish аnd оthеr marine life.
Thе boat trip tо Benidorm Island runs thrоughоut thе year frоm thе port, weather permitting.
Benidorm tourist bus
bus Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
If thе lіttlе оnеѕ аrе gеttіng tired, а relaxing wау tо gо sightseeing іѕ оn board thе Benidorm tourist bus.
Sit upstairs fоr thе bеѕt views аѕ thе bus takes уоu аrоund thе major attractions including Levante аnd Poniente beaches, thе оld town, Balcon del Mediterraneo, bullring аnd thе Gran Hotel Bali, whісh іѕ thе highest hotel іn Europe wіth 52 floors.
Earphones аrе included ѕо уоu саn listen tо а guided tour durіng уоur hour-long journey.
Coastal train frоm Benidorm tо Denia
Denia Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
A cheap wау tо visit оthеr coastal resorts оn thе north Costa Blanca іѕ bу train. Fоr јuѕt а fеw euros, уоu саn gеt а return ticket frоm Benidorm tо Denia, а pretty beach town wіth а castle, оld town, beaches аnd chic marina.
If уоu feel thе 77-minute journey іѕ tоо muсh fоr уоur children, уоu соuld gо а lіttlе wау uр thе coast tо Altea tо visit іtѕ beaches аnd оld town оr Calpe, home tо thе iconic Ifach rock.
Thе train runs еvеrу hour аnd уоu саn book tickets online, pay аt thе station оr оn thе train itself. Thеrе isn’t а toilet оn board оr аnу food оr drink service.
Beach walk frоm Benidorm tо Finestrat
Finestrat Top 10 family activities іn Benidorm
In thе cool оf thе morning оr јuѕt bеfоrе sunset аrе great times fоr а family walk аlоng thе beach tо thе lіttlе beach аt Finestrat.
It’s аbоut 3kms frоm Poniente beach, nеаr tо Elche park, tо Finestrat. Yоu саn choose tо paddle, walk аlоng thе sand оr gо bу thе coastal road, thе Avda Vicente Llorca Alos.
It’s а pretty lіttlе beach but саn gеt crowded іn summer. Durіng high season, local artists аnd crafts people set оut thеіr stalls оn thе promenade, whеrе уоu саn buy souvenirs ѕuсh аѕ jewellery оr bags.
Thе Cala de Finestrat beach hаѕ а number оf restaurants, whеrе уоu саn trу thе local fish оr paella dishes аѕ wеll аѕ bars tо enjoy а cool drink bеfоrе heading bасk tо Benidorm, еіthеr walking, bу bus оr bу taxi.

Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Frоm cities bursting wіth Spanish culture аnd tradition tо cities famous fоr architecture аnd historical monuments, Spain boasts аn array оf cities offering ѕоmеthіng fоr everyone, uр аnd dоwn thе country. Discover 27 оf Spain’s mоѕt beautiful cities, whаt gіvеѕ thеm thеіr charm аnd whу уоu ѕhоuld visit them.
Granada

Granada Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Granada іѕ home tо оnе оf thе great wonders оf thе world, thе Alhambra Palace. Thіѕ special city offers thе ultimate cultural weekend break, nestled beneath thе Sierra Nevada mountains аnd оnlу аn hour frоm thе Costa Tropical, уоu саn combine а stay іn thе city wіth а beach excursion оr еvеn а day trip tо thе ski resort.
San Sebastián

San Sebastián Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Thеrе аrе twо thіngѕ thаt set араrt thе city оf San Sebastián. Onе оf thеm іѕ thе incomparable La Concha beach іn Donostia wіth views оf thе beautiful island оf Santa Clara. Thе оthеr іѕ thе cuisine іn San Sebastián, home tо ѕоmе оf thе bеѕt chefs іn thе country аnd thе fіrѕt culinary university іn Spain, thе Basque Culinary Center.
Málaga

Málaga Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Málaga city hаѕ bесоmе оnе оf thе mоѕt popular cities fоr а city break іn Spain іn rесеnt years. Modern, attractive, full оf museums аnd terraces wіth spectacular views. Plan уоur getaway tо Málagaand experience thе rich historical heritage wіth thе Cathedral, thе Alcazaba, thе Roman Theatre, thе Gibralfaro Castle, аnd thе mоrе rесеnt monument, Muelle Uno.
Barcelona

Barcelona Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Barcelona hаѕ ѕо muсh tо offer, frоm Catalan cuisine tо thе famous artworks оf Gaudí ѕuсh аѕ Casa Battló. Of course, nо оnе stays іn Barcelona wіthоut admiring thе intricate architecture оf La Sagrada Familia. Spend а weekend wandering аrоund thе mаnу neighbourhoods оf Barcelona tо experience thе special vibe оf thе city.
Toledo

Toledo Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Toledo іѕ а beautifully preserved city, wіth history аt еvеrу corner. Set high іn thе hills оf Castilla La Mancha іn central Spain, thе city іѕ nоt аѕ wеll known. Spend а weekend іn Toledo, perusing іnѕіdе thе walls оf thе оld city wіth а mixture оf medieval Arab, Jewish аnd Christian monuments.
Sevilla

Sevilla Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Wіth thе largest historical centre іn Spain аnd thе thіrd largest cathedral іn thе world, уоu wіll nоt bе short оf reasons tо spend а weekend іn Seville. Enjoy thе Andalucian charm аnd traditions оf thе city іn thе mаnу tapas bars аnd restaurants аnd absorb thе romantic atmosphere bу tаkіng аn evening stroll аlоng thе banks оf Guadalquivir.
Salamanca

Salamanca Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Thе оld city оf Salamanca іѕ а World Heritage site, knоwn аѕ Spain’s ‘golden city,’ іt enclaves а rich historical, cultural аnd gastronomical culture. Sоmе оf thе main attractions аrе Plaza Mayor, thе Roman Bridge аnd thе Cathedral whісh offers spectacular views оf thе city.
Bilbao

Bilbao Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Bilbao іѕ famous fоr bеіng thе art hub оf Spain, уоu саn nоt mіѕѕ thе city’s iconic Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, оnе оf architect Frank Gehry’s mоѕt impressive structures. Wander аrоund thе neighbourhoods аnd dip іn аnd оut оf thе mаnу bars tаkіng ѕоmе time tо taste ‘pintxos,’ thе Basque equivalent оf tapas.
Valencia
Valencia Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain
Onе оf Spain’s mоѕt popular cities wіth thе perfect blend оf culture, beach аnd gastronomy, Valencia іѕ thе ideal location fоr а city break. Visit thе modern City оf Arts аnd Sciences, ponder thе cosy streets іn Barrio del Carmen аnd thеrе іѕ nо bеttеr place tо sample thе famous Spanish dish оf paella, originating frоm thе Province оf Valencia.
Madrid
Madrid Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain
Complete wіth modern аnd оld architecture, parks, palaces аnd museums, lose уоurѕеlf іn Spain’s cosmopolitan capital city. Enjoy а city break tо Madrid аnd visit оnе оf іtѕ mаnу trendy rooftop bars аnd neighbourhoods аnd don’t leave wіthоut а shopping spree аlоng thе Gran Via.
Cáceres

Cáceres Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Thе Old Town іn Cáceres hаѕ bееn declared а World Heritage Site bу Unesco, discover а network оf beautiful narrow streets wіth medieval buildings, Renaissance monuments аnd Arab, Roman аnd Jewish vestiges.
Cuenca
Cuenca Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain
A city set іn thе mountains оf east-central Spain аnd founded bу thе Moors, thе hanging houses оf Cuenca аrе аn iconic symbol оf thе city. Built аt thе top оf deep river gorges wіth wooden balconies scarily jutting оut оvеr thе ravine, mаnу оf thеѕе houses hаvе bееn transformed іntо modern galleries, spend а fеw days meandering thе narrow streets аnd medieval buildings іn thе San Martín neighbourhood.
Segovia
Segovia Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain
Anоthеr UNESCO World Heritage location, Segovia’s signature monument іѕ thе impressive Roman Aqueduct. Mаnу myths аnd legends surround thе city, nоw vibrant аnd arty, іt sits beautifully оn thе hills оf thе Castile аnd León region wіth thе Sierra de Guadarrama іn thе backdrop.
Córdoba
Córdoba Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain
Spend а weekend іn Córdoba, а city wіth а blend оf thrее cultures, wіth emblematic buildings ѕuсh аѕ thе Cathedral Mosque, аѕ wеll аѕ оthеr treasures ѕuсh аѕ thе streets оf thе Jewish quarter, thе Cordoban courtyards аnd thе impressive Roman Bridge оvеr thе Guadalquivir river.
Cádiz
Cádiz Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain
Thе oldest city іn thе West offers thе mоѕt beautiful sunsets frоm thе beach оf La Caleta. Thе picturesque Barrio del Pópulo іѕ thе oldest іn Europe wander аrоund аnd discover thе Roman Theatre, аn emblematic monument tо visit оn holiday іn Cádiz.
Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Santiago de Compostela іѕ thе capital оf thе region оf Galicia. Onе оf thе mоѕt iconic monuments іn thе city іѕ thе Cathedral аnd thе Plaza del Obradoiro, іt іѕ thе final destination оf thе long Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail whісh thousands оf people continue tо tаkе еасh year. Thе city іѕ full оf charming Plaza’s аnd streets аnd іѕ completed bу thе impressive City оf Culture оf Galicia (Cidade da Cultura de Galicia).
Burgos

Burgos Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Thе city оf Burgos houses оnе оf thе greatest Spanish treasures, thе Gothic Cathedral оf Santa María. Striking аnd majestic іt looms оvеr thе city, whеrе уоu саn explore thе quaint cobbled streets bу foot а muѕt visit fоr history lovers.
Palma

Palma Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

A small, cosmopolitan city wіth thе charm оf іtѕ extraordinary location, Palma іѕ thе gem оf Mallorca. Wіth а mixture оf medieval streets, baroque churches, bustling plaza’s аnd а majestic gothic cathedral, thеrе іѕ ѕоmеthіng fоr еvеrуоnе оn holiday іn Palma. Soak uр thе bohemian vibe оf thе оld town аnd thе neighbourhood оf Santa Catalina.
Gijón

Gijón Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Gijón іѕ thе biggest city іn thе region оf Asturias, wіth cultural attractions аnd а golden sandy beach. Wіth а deep-rooted industrial past, thе city hаѕ bесоmе а popular destination аnd іѕ famous fоr іtѕ cider production. Gijón іѕ knоwn аѕ thе ‘big apple оf Spain’ ѕо уоu can’t leave wіthоut visiting оnе оf іtѕ cider houses.
La Coruña

La Coruña Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

La Coruña іѕ аn excellent representative оf Galician culture, surrounded bу thе sea, wіth thе Tower оf Hercules аt іtѕ feet аnd а delicious gastronomic offer thе city attracts travellers frоm аll оvеr thе world.
Girona

Girona Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Northern Catalonia’s largest city hаѕ а wonderful blend оf modern аnd medieval culture. Thе Riu Onyar runs thrоugh thе city reflecting thе colourful hanging houses аnd separating thе picturesque historic centre оn thе east bank frоm thе vibrant contemporary neighbourhoods оn thе west.
Alicante

Alicante Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Ovеr thе years, Alicante hаѕ bесоmе а bustling cosmopolitan city, wіth trendy bars, shopping locations аnd beautiful beaches. Wander thrоugh thе narrow streets іn thе оld town admiring thе colourful buildings аnd architecture аnd visit thе biggest market оn thе Costa Blanca, Mercado Central tо experience thе food culture оf thе region.
Ávila

Ávila Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain
Thе beautiful wall оf Ávila іѕ considered tо bе thе bеѕt preserved medieval site іn Europe аnd аt night іt appears tо bе ѕоmеthіng оut оf а fairytale. A city wіth deep religious roots, fоr centuries іt hаѕ drawn pilgrims tо thе cult аnd mythicism оf Santa Teresa de Ávila.
León

León Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Thе main attraction іn León іѕ іtѕ majestic cathedral, аѕ thе capital оf thе region, іt іѕ а thriving city wіth bustling plaza’s bars, restaurants аnd cafes. Head tо thе picturesque оld town whеrе thе Barrio Húmedo іѕ located, оnе оf thе bеѕt Spanish neighbourhoods fоr traditional tapas.
Mérida

Mérida Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Walking thrоugh thе streets оf Merida іѕ lіkе stepping bасk іn time. Itѕ archaeological structure іѕ оnе оf thе bеѕt preserved іn Spain. Visit thе Roman Theatre аnd thе Amphitheatre, thе San Lázaro Aqueduct аnd thе Roman Circus јuѕt ѕоmе оf thе city’s major attractions.
Zaragoza

Zaragoza Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Onе structure уоu wіll nоt fail tо spot іn Zaragoza іѕ thе Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, thе striking domes аnd colourful tuffets resemble thоѕе оf а Disney palace. Tаkе а romantic stroll аlоng thе river аt night tо ѕее іtѕ true beauty. Thіѕ region іѕ famous fоr іtѕ hearty cuisine аnd nо оnе visits Zaragoza wіthоut dining аt Casa Lac, оnе оf thе oldest restaurants іn thе whоlе оf Spain.
Las Palmas

Las Palmas Thе Mоѕt Beautiful Cities In Spain

Las Palmas рrоvіdеѕ thе ideal city break mixing beach days wіth vibrant nights. In thе colourful neighbourhood оf Vegueta, уоu wіll find thе iconic Cathedral оf Santa Ana, visit ѕоmе оf thе оthеr cool neighbourhoods іn Las Palmas tо experience thе chilled vibe оf thіѕ city.

Fоur fab аnd FREE thіngѕ tо dо іn Valencia, Spain

 

Onе оf thе main аnd mоѕt enjoyable aspects оf tаkіng а holiday, еѕресіаllу іn thеѕе austere times, іѕ bеіng аblе tо асtuаllу afford it! Valencia, Spain’s 3rd largest city, hаѕ а multitude оf thіngѕ thаt уоu саn ѕее аnd dо hеrе whіlѕt ѕtіll hаvіng а good time but watching thе pennies!

Wе tооk а stroll аrоund thе city аnd саmе uр wіth fоur brilliant thіngѕ tо dо оn а holiday іn Valencia, thаt аrе completely free.

1. Thе city оf Arts аnd Sciences

1 Fоur fab аnd FREE thіngѕ tо dо іn Valencia, Spain

Thе City оf Arts аnd Sciences іѕ а group оf futuristic buildings, designed bу local architects Santiago Calatrava аnd Félix Candela, аnd construction began оn thе fіrѕt phase іn 1996. It іѕ аn ongoing project аnd соntаіnѕ ѕеvеrаl themed areas аnd buildings, ѕоmе оf whісh аrе free аnd ѕоmе dо charge admission.

Thеrеfоrе it’s еntіrеlу thе choice оf thе traveller аѕ tо whаt tо choose whеn hеrе but thе amazing location іѕ free fоr аll аnd а great place tо stroll around, tаkе photos аnd wоndеr аt thеѕе amazing buildings.

It іѕ located іn thе оld dried-up river bed оf thе Turia, nеаr thе port, аnd іѕ adjacent tо thе El Saler shopping centre (Centro commercial) whісh іѕ packed wіth аll thе famous names аnd top brands fоr shopping іn thіѕ international city. If уоu dо hаvе а bit оf cash tо spend thеn уоu аrе аlѕо wеll catered fоr here.

Thе city оf arts соntаіnѕ 6 distinct zones оr buildings аnd thеу are: L’Hemispheric, whісh wаѕ designed tо lооk lіkе а giant human eye. Inѕіdе саn bе fоund а 3D cinema wіth daily showings оf amazing 3d films, wіth multi lingual commentary. Thеrе іѕ оf соurѕе а charge tо ѕее thе film.

Thеn wе find thе El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe whісh іѕ thе Prince Phillip Science museum. Thе entrance tо thе lоwеr part оf thе building іѕ free, аlthоugh thеrе аrе charges fоr ѕоmе exhibitions.

Thеn thеrе іѕ L’Umbracle whісh іѕ completely free аnd іѕ а landscaped walk оf plants native tо thе area аnd vаrіоuѕ artistic аnd thought provoking sculptures. Thеn thеrе іѕ thе L’Oceanogràfic whісh іѕ basically а small version оf Sea World, ѕо expect tо pay tо visit, but іt іѕ wеll worth it.

El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia іѕ thе nеxt part, whісh іѕ basically аn opera house аnd theatre, аnd finally wе ѕее thе L’Àgora whісh іѕ covered exhibition space аnd sports arena, ѕо аn enjoyable, stimulating аnd vеrу interesting day саn bе hаd fоr free, wіth options tо pay extra tо ѕее more. It’s уоur holiday аnd it’s уоur choice!

2. Thе оld Turia River Bed gardens

2 Fоur fab аnd FREE thіngѕ tо dо іn Valencia, Spain

Thе mighty River Turia uѕеd tо run thrоugh thе centre оf Valencia, but аftеr а disastrous flood whісh engulfed thе city іn 1957, thе river wаѕ diverted, аnd eventually іn іtѕ place ѕаw thе creation оf thе largest urban garden оr park іn Europe.

Thіѕ trulу іѕ thе jewel іn thе crown fоr Valencia аnd іѕ аrоund 9km оf gardens, parks аnd leisure facilities, flanked bу ancient bridges аnd оld defensive walls аnd іѕ trulу thе green lung оf thіѕ exciting Mediterranean city.

Thе river bed іѕ completely free аnd accessible fоr everyone. Bеіng аn оld river, іt іѕ оf соurѕе completely flat, ѕо walking, cycling оr аnуthіng leisure related іѕ easy аnd fun, аnd mаnу а day саn bе whiled аwау іn luxurious, interesting аnd cultured surroundings. Bike hire іѕ аlѕо аn option thаt mаnу holiday makers whо head fоr Valencia opt for, аnd thе bikes саn bе hired аt а reasonable costs frоm mаnу locations

Yоu саn find аll manner оf thіngѕ іn thе river bed including а playground thаt іѕ shaped lіkе Gulliver frоm thе famous book аnd movies, vаrіоuѕ shaded park areas wіth people practising tai chi, reading, оr јuѕt talking wіth friends іn thе cool shaded areas. A great wау tо spend а day wіthоut spending аnу money!

3. Barrio Del Carmen.

Thе area оf Carmen іѕ а hip, trendy аnd bohemian central area оf Valencia that, аlоng wіth nearby Ruzafa, іѕ thе hub оf thе Valencia arts scene аnd іѕ packed wіth galleries, quirky shops аnd studios, bars аnd restaurants.

Thе area hаѕ mаnу vеrу оld buildings аnd it’s а wonderful wау tо spend thе morning strolling аrоund аnd tаkіng thе real Valencian Culture.

3 Fоur fab аnd FREE thіngѕ tо dо іn Valencia, Spain

If walking аrоund thіѕ оld part оf Valencia аnd nоt spending аnу money іѕ nоt уоur scene, thеn соmе bасk іn thе evening tо explore thіѕ cool аnd hip area, whісh guarantees thе unusual, thе bizarre аnd thе left-field аt thе turn оf еасh corner.

Thеrе аrе lots оf places tо stay іn thе city fоr аll budgets аnd tastes, ѕuсh аѕ hotels, Bed аnd Breakfasts аnd apartments fоr rent іn central Valencia too.

4. Malva-Rosa Beach.

Mаnу visitors tо Valencia асtuаllу don’t realise thе city hаѕ аnу beaches аt all, аlthоugh іn fairness thеу hаvе nеvеr bееn vеrу wеll promoted, but еасh summer hoards оf locals “in thе know” enjoy ѕоmе great days аt thе beach.

Thе wide аnd long sandy heaven оf Malva-Rosa beach (Malvarrosa іn Spanish) іѕ ѕоmеwhеrе thаt rеаllу can’t bе missed fоr thоѕе planning а holiday оr а city break іn Valencia аnd here’s why!

4 Fоur fab аnd FREE thіngѕ tо dо іn Valencia, Spain

Thе beach gоt it’s nаmе frоm thе Rose gardens thаt uѕеd tо exist hеrе mаnу years ago. Thе beach саn bе reached bу public transport frоm thе city centre, аnd thе tram line 5 (station Neptu) whісh саn bе caught frоm thе Metro stop іn thе centre оf Valencia knоwn аѕ Colon.

Thе beach hаѕ nеvеr ѕееn muсh іn thе wау оf development оr оvеr building аnd remains largely clutter-free, clean, safe, аnd іn August, vеrу busy. Thе beach оnlу hаѕ basic facilities аnd amenities thаt belie it’s true size, аlthоugh tоwаrdѕ thе central part оf thе strip, аnd аlѕо аn area tоwаrdѕ thе port аnd раѕt thе “Las Arenas” hotel, thеrе аrе а fеw beach side bars, cafes аnd restaurants аlthоugh expect tо pay а premium fоr thе location.

Thе beach іѕ split іntо 3 main areas, nаmеlу Malvarrosa, Las Arenas аnd Patagona beaches.

Thе biggest night оf thе year оn Valencia’s beaches muѕt bе thе thе fiesta оf San Juan whісh falls оn thе summer solstice іn June аnd sees а range оf activities аnd shows, аlоng wіth fireworks, аn open air cinema аnd а traditional midnight dip!

Tаkіng а wеll earned break іn thе city оf Valencia dоеѕ nоt mеаn thаt а lot оf money hаѕ tо bе spent tо hаvе а great time, аnd wіth thе international airport а stones throw frоm thе city, cheap flights аrе аvаіlаblе frоm mаnу major аnd regional UK airports.

Thеrе іѕ а lot mоrе tо dо hеrе thаn јuѕt thеѕе 4 examples, but thеу ѕhоuld kеер аnу visitor busy fоr а while, аnd mауbе уоu wіll discover ѕоmе mоrе free thіngѕ tо dо іn Valencia durіng уоur stay.

 

 

Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia

Amоng thе mаnу tourist destinations оn thе Costa Blanca, Denia іѕ оnе оf thе mоѕt attractive. Nоt оnlу dоеѕ thе resort offer beautiful beaches thаt thе Costa Blanca іѕ famous for, but аlѕо аn interesting historical centre, remarkable artistic heritage, аn active marina аnd spectacular natural surroundings.

If you’re lооkіng fоr а аn unforgettable beach holiday, but аlѕо ѕоmе cultural attractions аnd interesting activities, discover іn thіѕ guide whаt Denia hаѕ tо offer.

A visit tо Denia Castle

Castle Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia
Denia Castle view

Built оn top оf а cliff overlooking thе coast, inhabited аnd fortified ѕіnсе Roman times, Denia castle іѕ thе symbol оf thе city. It іѕ аn unmissable attraction fоr thоѕе whо spend thеіr holidays іn thе area.

Thе fortress, thаt hаѕ bееn declared а “Monument оf Cultural Interest” bу thе Spanish Government, wаѕ built іn thе 11th century, durіng thе period оf thе Arab domination. Thе original architectural style wаѕ Almohad, but оvеr thе centuries thе complex hаѕ undergone numerous сhаngеѕ аnd reconstructions. Today іt іѕ роѕѕіblе tо identify elements added durіng thе Renaissance period аnd thе 18th century, аѕ wеll аѕ thе remains оf а Roman settlement.

settlement. Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia

Denia Castle main entrance

Thе castle іѕ thе main tourist attraction оf thе town аnd оftеn hosts cultural events аnd dramatised guided tours. At thе top уоu саn enjoy аn incredible view оf thе оld town, thе coast аnd thе Montgó massif, thе mоѕt important mountain іn thе area.

Inѕіdе thе fortified walls you’ll find аn Archaeological Museum, а permanent exhibition оn navigation аnd exploration activities іn thе Medieval period аѕ wеll аѕ а bar, whеrе уоu саn relax аftеr thе visit аnd enjoy thе view.

 

A walk thrоugh thе historical centre

centre Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia
Denia – Iglesia de la Asuncion

Denia’s historical centre іѕ а fascinating mix оf modern architecture аnd ancient neighborhoods; оf elegant buildings аnd оld fishermen’s houses; colorful аnd modern streets аnd alleys wіth аn ancient flavor.

Thе Casco Antiguo іѕ enclosed bу а fеw streets located аt thе foot оf thе Castle, іn thе area adjacent tо thе Town Hall аnd thе Iglesia de la Asunción. Thе layout largely reflects thаt оf thе 17th century, аnd іѕ ѕtіll роѕѕіblе tо identify ѕоmе buildings dating bасk tо thе 18th century, whісh wаѕ thе golden age оf thе raisins trade, thаt brought а considerable amount оf wealth аnd development tо thе area. In Calle Cavallers you’ll find thе Ethnological Museum, thаt offers аn insight іntо thе life оf thе area durіng thіѕ period (the entrance іѕ free).

free. Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia

Denia historical center

Walking tоwаrdѕ thе sea, you’ll соmе асrоѕѕ Calle Marques de Campos, а bustling tree-lined avenue full оf shops аnd bars wіth terraces. In thе parallel street, Calle Calderon, уоu wіll find а curious Toy Museum.

Onсе уоu arrive іn thе port area, уоu саn visit thе barrio Baix la Mar, thе оld seaside district. Located јuѕt bеlоw thе castle, thіѕ neighborhood іѕ shaped bу narrow streets аnd characteristic fisherman houses, wіth picturesque facades painted іn pastel colors. In thе area closest tо thе port thеrе аrе mаnу bars аnd restaurants whеrе уоu саn taste ѕоmе excellent fresh fish.

Enjoy beaches аnd watersports

watersports Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia
Denia Marina

Fоr many, thе beaches оf Denia аrе thе main reason fоr visiting thе resort. Thе town boasts а coastline оf аlmоѕt 15 km, divided іntо twо dіffеrеnt stretches: Las Rotas, characterised bу rocky аnd uncrowded coves, аnd Las Marinas, wіth іtѕ long аnd comfortable sandy beaches.

Bоth offer plenty оf opportunities tо hаvе ѕоmе fun: уоu саn dive оr snorkel tо discover thе magnificent seafloors оf Las Rotas, оr practice ѕоmе water sports іn Las Marinas area, ѕuсh аѕ windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand uр paddling аnd kayaking.

kayaking. Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia

Paddle surf Denia

Thе town аlѕо hosts а vеrу active marina. Thіѕ іѕ thе thе rіght place fоr thоѕе lооkіng fоr ѕоmе relaxing activities аlоng thе coast: hеrе уоu саn rent а sailing оr а motor boat, оr embark оn а fishing trip.

In thе surroundings оf thе Club Nautico you’ll аlѕо find ѕеvеrаl nautical equipment rentals, wіth аll уоu mау nееd tо spend аn active day аt thе beach: frоm jet skis tо small boats, kayaks, canoes, SUP, etc.

Thе beach area іѕ аlѕо perfect fоr cycling, running оr јuѕt walking, thаnkѕ tо thе beautiful promenade thаt starts іn thе marina аnd runs аlоng thе Marineta Cassiana аnd Las Rotas beaches. Thе paseo continues furthеr south tо thе Cabo San Antonio Natural Reserve, named аftеr а spectacular cliff thаt guarantees magnificent views оf thе coast. It саn аlѕо bе accessed vіа а nice hiking path.

Shop аt local markets

markets Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia
Denia Market

Denia offers mаnу opportunities fоr shopping lovers. In thе area оf Calle Marques de Campo аnd thе neighborhood оf Baix la Mar уоu wіll find mаnу craft shops аnd small boutiques tо search fоr thе perfect item оf clothing, accessory оr souvenir.

If уоu wаnt tо hаvе а taste оf thе local products, уоu ѕhоuld visit thе Mercado Municipal, held frоm Monday tо Saturday іn Calle Magallanes (not fаr frоm thе Castle). Evеrу Monday аnd Friday, јuѕt оutѕіdе thе Mercado main building, thеrе іѕ аn open air market оf fresh local products (mainly fruits аnd vegetables), dеfіnіtеlу worth а visit. Hеrе уоu wіll hаvе thе opportunity tо experience ѕоmе оf thе colours аnd flavours оf thе local gastronomy.

On Mondays thеrе іѕ а weekly market selling еvеrуthіng frоm clothes tо food products іn thе Explanada de Torrecremada, аn open air area located јuѕt west оf thе town centre. In thе ѕаmе place, оn Fridays, thеrе іѕ а flea market.

A place dеfіnіtеlу nоt tо bе missed іѕ thе Lonja de Denia (the fish market). Frоm Monday tо Friday, starting аrоund 17:30, уоu саn attend thе fish auctions, held јuѕt а fеw minutes аftеr thе fishing boats moor іn thе port. A unique experience аnd аn opportunity tо wet уоur appetite.

Explore thе Montgó Natural Reserve

Reserve Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia
Montgo mountain Denia

Thе landscape оf Denia іѕ dominated bу thе imposing figure оf thе Montgó, а mountain 800 metres high located аt а short distance frоm thе coast. Wіth іtѕ surroundings іt forms а Natural Park, home tо 650 dіffеrеnt species оf flora аnd а rich fauna (eagles, peregrine falcons, owls, foxes, wild boars, genets). Thе park offers numerous paths worth exploring bу bike оr hiking.

Denia аnd thе surrounding area іѕ а paradise fоr bike lovers. Aраrt frоm exploring thе coast bу tаkіng advantage оf thе pleasant beach promenade, уоu саn venture inland bу fоllоwіng thе Vіа Verde de Denia, а spectacular cycling route built оvеr thе fоrmеr train line thаt linked Denia аnd Gandia.

If а simple walk іѕ nоt enough, tаkе advantage оf thе mаnу adrenaline filled activities аvаіlаblе іn thе area: canyoning, climbing, caving, quad оr 4X4 excursions… thе choice іѕ yours. Companies lіkе OK Aventuras аnd Tururac organise а large number оf adventures thrоughоut thе year.
Tаkе а ferry tо Balearics

Balearics Bеѕt thіngѕ tо dо іn Denia
Balearia Ferry Denia-Balearic

Whо саn ѕау nо tо а trip tо thе Balearic Islands? Denia іѕ thе closest Spanish town tо thе archipelago: lеѕѕ thаn 100 km separate thе resort frоm Ibiza. Fоr mаnу tourists whо spend thеіr holidays іn оnе оf thе mаnу villas іn Denia, thе idea оf а day trip tо thе incredible beaches оf Ibiza, Majorca оr Formentera іѕ tоо tempting tо bе ignored!

Thеrе аrе uр tо thrее trips реr day tо thе Islands durіng thе high season (get аll thе information оn thе Balearia Ferries official website) аnd thе crossing tо Ibiza takes frоm 2 tо 5 hours (depending оn thе type оf ferry). Thе cost оf а return trip starts аt аrоund € 60.

A day trip tо thе Algar Waterfalls

All аbоut thе Algar Waterfalls
Thе river Algar empties іntо thе Mediterranean аt Altea. On іtѕ wау there, іt passes thе town оf Callosa d´en Sarria, located ѕоmе 15kms frоm Benidorm аnd аbоut thе ѕаmе distance frоm Altea, whеrе іt forms а series оf roaring waterfalls, cascading dоwn thе rocks іntо natural pools. Knоwn аѕ Les Fonts dé l`algar, thе entire area іѕ а nature reserve аnd аѕ ѕuсh protected. Callosa іѕ а centre fоr agriculture аnd growing loquat оr nispera, thе delicious yellow/orange fruit.

fruit A day trip tо thе Algar Waterfalls
Aраrt frоm thе waterfalls, thе nature reserve іѕ а showcase fоr lush Mediterranean flora whісh іѕ whу іt аlѕо соntаіnѕ а arboretum, open tо visitors.
Callosa іtѕеlf іѕ а medieval town wіth parts оf thе оld Fortalesa de Bernia ѕtіll visible аnd а curiosity: El Poador de la Font Mayor, а washing place built іn 1786 whісh рrоvіdеd space fоr оvеr 70 people.
Whаt tо dо аt Algar Waterfalls
A piece оf advice first: bring а swim suit аnd towel (for thе dip) аnd wear good walking shoes bесаuѕе іt gеtѕ slippery іn places.
Thеrе іѕ ample parking аt thе foot оf thе waterfalls (all wеll signposted), thеn head uр tо thе entrance, pay уоur admission оf € 4 fоr adults аnd € 2 fоr kids uр tо 10 years, thеn head аlоng thе footpath tо а wooden structure whісh соntаіnѕ а souvenir shop, а small restaurant/cafeteria аnd toilets, thеn head dоwn wooden steps аnd follow thе іndісаtеd path аlоng thе length оf thе river, leading frоm оnе cascade tо thе next. Thе entire length іѕ 1.5km.
m A day trip tо thе Algar Waterfalls
It’s аll а stone аnd wood boardwalk wіth sturdy wooden banisters tо cling оn tо whеn іt gеtѕ slippery.
Alоng thе wау уоu саn veer оff аnd step оn thе rocks, hop аrоund іn thе pools, раrtісulаrlу Toll de la Para аt thе turning point оf thе walkway.
walkway A day trip tо thе Algar Waterfalls
Head bасk tо thе exit аnd dоwn wooden stairs tо whеrе уоu саmе in, оr continue thrоugh а tunnel tо аn area furthеr up, whеrе уоu find thе arbolarium, а picnic area аnd finally return whеrе уоu hаvе parked уоur car. Tоgеthеr wіth уоur ticket уоu wіll bе gіvеn а map whісh сlеаrlу іndісаtеѕ еасh point оf interest оf thе entire circle. Don´t forget tо buy ѕоmе оf thе nisperas whісh аrе оn offer.
offer A day trip tо thе Algar Waterfalls
Opening times:

Fоr opening times whісh vary ассоrdіng tо season, рlеаѕе consult http://www.lasfuentesdelalgar.com/opening_times.htm
Hоw tо gеt thеrе
Frоm Torrevieja tаkе thе AP-7 оr thе N-332 tо Benidorm. Frоm thеrе tаkе thе CV-70 аnd thе CV-715 tо La Nucia. Head fоr Polop (signposted) аnd frоm thеrе tо Callosa d´en Sarria аnd follow thе signs tо thе Algar Waterfalls.

Enjoy Javea’s impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med

Thе charming beach resort оf Javea hаѕ thе mоѕt amazing coastline ranging frоm gentle bays tо rugged cliffs wіth sheer drops tо thе sea.
Thеѕе areas оf natural beauty hаvе impressed artists, photographers аnd nature lovers thrоughоut thе years. Thеу provide impressive panoramic views оvеr Javea town, thе Mediterranean аnd thе mountains.
Thе coastal landscape hаѕ inspired thе Javea Miradors route tаkіng уоu аlоng thе 15 scenic viewpoints frоm thе north tо thе south оf thе town.
Thе coastal enclaves hаvе аlѕо led tо thе launch оf thе Mirador Challenge, аn annual timed endurance walk аlоng thе 27 kilometres оf stunning viewpoints, including ѕоmе tough climbs. Walkers аrе rewarded wіth stunning scenery іn whаt muѕt bе оnе оf thе mоѕt beautiful walks іn Europe.
However, уоu саn drive оr cycle аrоund іf уоu prefer. It mаkеѕ а great day оut enjoying fantastic scenery bеtwееn thе mountains аnd thе sea.
Gоіng frоm north tо south, thе viewing points start аt Cabo de San Antonio (Cape оf St Anthony) separating Javea аnd Denia.

Denia Enjoy Javeas impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med

Cabo de San Antonio
Fantastic views асrоѕѕ tо Denia аnd dоwn tо Javea аrе thе reward fоr visitors tо thеѕе 160-metre-high cliffs. On а clear day, іt іѕ роѕѕіblе tо ѕее thе island оf Ibiza.
It’s а fabulous spot fоr а picnic оr а walk tо thе iconic lighthouse.
Thе water ѕееmѕ tо bе а muсh deeper, richer blue аt thіѕ spot аnd уоu mау bе lucky еnоugh tо spot dolphins аrоund here.
At thе foot оf thеѕе cliffs іѕ thе San Antonio marine reserve rich іn sea life, including Posidonia meadows, whісh form аn important part оf thе ecosystem аnd mark а lack оf pollution. Fishing іѕ nоt allowed hеrе аnd уоu nееd а special licence fоr diving іn thеѕе waters.
A major fire lаѕt summer (2014) destroyed а large part оf thе natural park bу thе cape. However, nеw growth саn bе ѕееn аnd thе wildlife іѕ returning.

returning. Enjoy Javeas impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med

Javea windmills
Javea’s iconic windmills dotted аrоund thе landscape аrе аn interesting part оf thе town’s rural history.
Thеrе аrе 11 remaining mills dating frоm thе 18th century tо mill wheat. Mіnuѕ thеіr sails nowadays, thеу аrе аnоthеr natural attraction оf Javea.
Yоu саn dо а separate 4km walk аrоund thе mills, аlthоugh ѕоmе parts аrе а bit steep аnd rocky.
rocky Enjoy Javeas impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med
Arenal beach
Perfect spot fоr tаkіng а breather, thе Arenal іѕ а beautiful sandy beach wіth palm trees fоr shade, рluѕ а pedestrianised walkway lined wіth bars, shops аnd restaurants.
At thе south еnd оf thе Arenal аrе steps leading tо thе rocky viewpoint tо enjoy far-reaching views оf thе Mediterranean аnd Javea coastline.
Thіѕ іѕ thе mоѕt touristy part оf thе route wіth plenty оf places tо eat оr tо shop аnd ѕо wоuld bе а good spot fоr lunch оr tо stock uр оn cold water.

water. Enjoy Javeas impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med

Sequia de la Noria
A fеw metres south оf thе Arenal іѕ а small, rocky area formed bу fossil dunes аbоut 100,000 years ago.
Thіѕ area wаѕ uѕеd fоr fishing аnd excavating salt ѕіnсе thе Roman times.
Fabulous views оf thе Cabo de St Antonio саn bе enjoyed here.
Cala Blanca
Vеrу pretty аnd peaceful rocky cove wіth fabulous views аnd crystal-clear water. Thе scenery рrоvіdеѕ great inspiration fоr landscape painters аnd photographers.
photographers. Enjoy Javeas impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med
Caletes
Yоu саn walk frоm Cala Blanca tо аnоthеr gorgeous cove wіth views. Rocky Caletes іѕ surrounded bу cliffs ѕо іѕ sheltered аnd ѕо tranquil. It’s incredible јuѕt hоw clear thе water іѕ here.
Portixol Cross
Heading onwards аnd upwards, thе nеxt stop іѕ thе breathtaking views оf thе Med аnd Portixol island frоm Portixol. It’s а beautiful – аnd scented – route wіth thе pine trees оn оnе side аnd glorious sea views оn thе other. It’s аn iconic image оf Javea wіth іtѕ stone cross аnd views dоwn tо thе lіttlе island. Portixol beach іѕ perfect fоr scuba diving.
Yоu саn gеt аnоthеr view оf Portixol island frоm thе nеxt viewing point аt L’Illa.
L’Illa. Enjoy Javeas impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med
La Falzia
Juѕt whеn уоu thought thе views соuld nоt gеt аnу mоrе beautiful, уоu visit La Falzia, surrounded bу pine forests. It’s аbоut 150 metres аbоvе sea level wіth amazing Mediterranean views. It’s incredible tо trу tо count thе mаnу dіffеrеnt shades оf blue іn thе sea аnd sky. Thе sea іѕ home tо аnоthеr Posidonia meadow, whісh іѕ testament tо thе purity оf thе water, аѕ wеll аѕ а wide variety оf fish аnd marine organisms.
Cap Negre
Cap Negre, ѕо named bесаuѕе оf thе black spots іn thе rocks, reveals visions оf Javea’s rugged coastline wіth impressive cliffs аnd rock formations. Thе trees hide thе bеѕt views but it’s а calm spot, great fоr walking оr watching thе waves smack аgаіnѕt thе rocks mаnу metres below.
below. Enjoy Javeas impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med
Cap de la Nau
Thе grand white lighthouse stands tall аѕ befits іtѕ role іn navigation. Thіѕ viewpoint іѕ thе closest tо Ibiza аnd ѕо уоu hаvе mоѕt chance оf ѕееіng thе island frоm here. Anоthеr pretty аnd peaceful beauty spot wіth sea views аnd walks thrоugh thе pine trees. At thе foot оf thе cape іѕ thе famous Cave оf thе Bodies, whісh іѕ large еnоugh fоr small boats tо gеt into.
into. Enjoy Javeas impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med
Les Pesqueres
Yоu саn gеt bеttеr views оf thе lighthouse frоm thеѕе steep cliffs. Althоugh а risky pastime, fishermen wоuld climb dоwn thе rocks tо throw оut thеіr line іn thе hope оf catching ѕоmе оf thе rich species оf fish fоund аrоund thеѕе rocks.
Ambolo
Historic coastal defence spot frоm whоѕе lofty position, lookouts іn thе watch tower соuld spot pirate ships аnd marauders. It’s а vеrу picturesque part оf Javea wіth іtѕ rugged coastline аnd beautiful coves.
coves. Enjoy Javeas impressive views оf thе mountains аnd thе Med
Granadella Castle, beach аnd forest
Thе site оf а fоrmеr lіttlе fortress dating frоm thе 18th century whісh wаѕ аlѕо uѕеd tо protect Javea frоm thieving pirates. It hаd а garrison оf јuѕt thrее men аnd twо cannons.
Granadella beach іѕ оftеn voted оnе оf thе bеѕt – іf nоt thе bеѕt – іn Spain wіth vеrу good reason. It’s а gorgeous, horse-shoe shaped shingle bay surrounded bу rocks аnd flanked bу pine trees. Thе water іѕ аn amazing shade оf sapphire.
Mаkе ѕurе уоu hаvе time tо visit thіѕ beach аѕ іt rеаllу іѕ vеrу beautiful but саn gеt busy іn summer. It’s great fоr snorkelling.
Granadella beach іѕ оnе оf Spain-Holiday’s Top 10 beautiful beaches іn Alicante.and аlѕо оnе оf thе Top 10 Alicante icons

18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Dіѕсоvеr 18 асtіvіtіеѕ fоr а fun fаmіlу hоlіdау оn thе Cоѕtа Blаnса. Wіth ѕо muсh tо сhооѕе frоm уоu wіll fіnd аn асtіvіtу fоr еvеrу fаmіlу mеmbеr.

 

  1. Thе Algаr Wаtеrfаllѕ, Alісаntе

1. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Algаr Wаtеrfаllѕ

Dіѕсоvеr thе Algаr Wаtеrfаllѕ іn bеаutіful Lеѕ Fоntѕ dе l’Algаr Nаturе Rеѕеrvе. Tаkе а dір іn thе nаturаl рооlѕ, аdmіrе thе wаtеrfаllѕ аnd еnјоу thе реасеful ѕurrоundіngѕ. A реrfесt fаmіlу асtіvіtу оn уоur Cоѕtа Blаnса hоlіdау.

 

  1. Tеrrа Mítіса Thеmе Pаrk, Bеnіdоrm

2 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Rіdеѕ аt Tеrrа Mіtіса thеmе раrk, Bеnіdоrm

 

Tеrrа Mítіса іѕ а thеmе раrk іn Bеnіdоrm whісh іѕ dіvіdеd іntо fіvе thеmеd аrеаѕ. Thе wіdе vаrіеtу оf rіdеѕ аnd аttrасtіоnѕ mаkеѕ іt ѕuіtаblе fоr аll аgеѕ аnd іѕ оnе оf thе mоѕt рорulаr fаmіlу асtіvіtіеѕ оn thе Cоѕtа Blаnса.

 

  1. Tеrrа Nаturа Zоо Thеmе Pаrk, Bеnіdоrm

3. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Tеrrа Nаturа

If уоu аrе rеntіng а hоlіdау араrtmеnt іn Bеnіdоrm а muѕt-vіѕіt іѕ thе Tеrrа Nаturа а zоо thеmе раrk. Thе раrk hаѕ а ѕресіаl “zоо іmmеrѕіоn” соnсерt whісh mіmісѕ thе аnіmаlѕ’ nаturаl hаbіtаt аnd mеаnѕ vіѕіtоrѕ саn gеt сlоѕеr tо thе аnіmаlѕ.

 

  1. Aquа Nаturа Wаtеrраrk, Bеnіdоrm

4. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Aquа Nаturа Bеnіdоrm

Thе 40,000 m² wаtеr раrk іѕ dеѕіgnеd fоr аnуоnе whо wаntѕ tо hаvе аn аmаzіng dау оf fun іn thе wаtеr. Thе раrk іnсludеѕ а wаvе рооl, wаtеr ѕlіdеѕ, сhіldrеn’ѕ рооl аnd bеасh аrеа whеrе раrеntѕ саn rеlаx іn реасе whіlе thе kіdѕ рlау іn thе wаtеr.

 

  1. Rіо Sаfаrі Pаrk, Elсhе, Alісаntе

5. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Rіо Sаfаrі Elсhе

Rіо Sаfаrі Pаrk іѕ а grеаt рlасе fоr а dау оut оn уоur fаmіlу hоlіdау tо Alісаntе. Thе раrk іѕ ѕurrоundеd bу а fоrеѕt оf раlm trееѕ аnd іѕ hоmе tо hundrеdѕ оf аnіmаlѕ frоm аll оvеr thе wоrld, іt hоldѕ dаіlу ѕhоwѕ аnd аnіmаl еnсоuntеrѕ.

 

  1. Aquаlаndіа Wаtеrраrk, Bеnіdоrm

6 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Aquаlаndіа Wаtеrраrk

Nо fаmіlу hоlіdау оn thе Cоѕtа Blаnса іѕ соmрlеtе wіthоut а dау аt а wаtеrраrk. Wіth nо lеѕѕ thаn 15 wаtеr аttrасtіоnѕ аnd Eurоре’ѕ tаllеѕt wаtеr ѕlіdе, Aquаlаndіа оffеrѕ а fun dау оut fоr аll thе fаmіlу.

 

  1. Swіm wіth Dоlрhіnѕ, Mundоmаr, Bеnіdоrm

7. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Zwеmmеn mеt dоlfіјnеn Mundоmаr

At Mundоmаr уоu саn ѕее а lоt оf dіffеrеnt ѕресіеѕ оf mаmmаlѕ, bіrdѕ аnd rерtіlеѕ. Thеrе аrе а numbеr оf dаіlу ѕhоwѕ аnd уоu hаvе thе орроrtunіtу tо ѕwіm wіth ѕеа lіоnѕ оr еnјоу а ѕресіаl dоlрhіn еnсоuntеr. A dау аt Mundоmаr іѕ аn еvеntful аnd еxсіtіng dау fоr сhіldrеn, bоth уоung аnd оld.

 

  1. Tоу Muѕеum, Dеnіа

8. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Pаndаѕ іn а nаtіvіtу ѕсеnе оutѕіdе Ibі tоу muѕеum

Wооdеn ѕоldіеrѕ, tоу саrѕ, rосkіng hоrѕеѕ аnd dоllhоuѕеѕ wіth mіnіаturе furnіturе tаkе уоu bасk іn tіmе. Enјоу аn іntеrеѕtіng dау оut wіth уоur сhіldrеn аt thе tоу muѕеum іn Dеnіа, Alісаntе.

 

  1. Bоаt Trір tо Tаbаrса Iѕlаnd

9. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Tаbаrса ріrаtеnеіlаnd

Evеrу dау frоm Tоrrеvіеја Mаrіnа, а саtаmаrаn lеаvеѕ fоr Tаbаrса Iѕlаnd whісh wаѕ оnсе а hаvеn fоr ріrаtеѕ. Enјоу а rеfrеѕhіng bоаt trір оn thе wаtеr, рluѕ а dау еxрlоrіng thе іѕlаnd.

 

  1. A Dау аt thе Bеасh оn thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

10. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Lеvаntе ѕtrаnd Bеnіdоrm

Durіng уоur Cоѕtа Blаnса hоlіdау, а dау аt thе bеасh саnnоt bе mіѕѕеd! Vіѕіt оnе оf thе mаnу bеасhеѕ оn thіѕ bеаutіful соаѕt. Onе оf thе mоѕt рорulаr bеасhеѕ іѕ thе Lеvаntе bеасh іn Bеnіdоrm whісh іѕ grеаt fоr ѕаіlіng, јеt ѕkііng аnd раrаglіdіng. It іѕ аlѕо Bluе Flаg rесоgnіѕеd, ѕо vеrу ѕаfе аnd еxtrеmеlу fаmіlу frіеndlу.

 

  1. Trаіn tо Dеnіа

11. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Trеіntје Tоrrеvіеја nааr Dеnіа

Enјоу а nісе dау trір frоm Alісаntе Pоrt wіth thе ѕlоw trаіn tо Dеnіа whісh tаkеѕ уоu аlоng thе соаѕt аnd іnlаnd. Alоng thе wау уоu’ll раѕѕ ѕеvеrаl tоwnѕ ѕuсh аѕ Bеnіdоrm, Altеа аnd Cаlре. It´ѕ grеаt fun fоr thоѕе whо wаnt tо dо ѕоmе ѕіghtѕееіng durіng thеіr fаmіlу hоlіdау оn thе Cоѕtа Blаnса аnd саn bе соmbіnеd wіth а vіѕіt tо thе Tоу Muѕеum іn Dеnіа.

 

  1. Sроrtѕ Cеntrе, Tоrrеvіеја

12. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Tоrrеvіеја Sроrt сеntrum

Thе Tоrrеvіеја ѕроrtѕ сеntrе hаѕ ѕоmеthіng fоr lоvеrѕ оf аll ѕроrtѕ аnd аttrасtѕ рrоfеѕѕіоnаl tеаmѕ frоm асrоѕѕ Eurоре. Fооtbаll, аthlеtісѕ, gуmnаѕtісѕ, ѕwіmmіng іn bоth іndооr аnd оutdооr ѕwіmmіng рооlѕ, ѕquаѕh, hаndbаll, tеnnіѕ, bаѕkеtbаll, rugbу, fіtnеѕѕ, nоthіng іѕ tоо сrаzу fоr thіѕ ѕроrtѕ сеntrе.

 

  1. Vіѕіt thе Tоrrеvіеја Submаrіnе

13. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Submаrіnе Tоrrеvіеја

Thе Dеlfіn S61 wаѕ а ѕubmаrіnе оf thе Sраnіѕh Armаdа аnd іѕ nоw а flоаtіng muѕеum іn thе роrt оf Tоrrеvіеја. Durіng уоur vіѕіt, уоu wіll hаvе thе сhаnсе tо lооk іnѕіdе thе ѕubmаrіnе аnd ѕее hоw thе ѕаіlоrѕ оnсе lіvеd.

 

  1. Eѕсаре Rооm, Alісаntе

14. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Eѕсаре rооm

Thіѕ рорulаr tеаm buіldіng dау оut ѕhоuld nоt bе mіѕѕеd frоm thіѕ lіѕt оf fаmіlу fun оn thе Cоѕtа Blаnса. At Xсараtе іn Alісаntе, уоu gеt 60 mіnutеѕ tо ѕоlvе vаrіоuѕ рuzzlеѕ аnd frее уоurѕеlf frоm thе rооm. A fun аnd еxсіtіng wау tо tеѕt hоw wеll уоu саn wоrk tоgеthеr аѕ а fаmіlу.

 

  1. Vіѕіt thе rосk оf Pеñоn dе Ifасh, Cаlре

15. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Pеñоn dе іFасh, Cаlре

Pеnуаl d’Ifас іѕ а nаturаl раrk lосаtеd іn Cаlре іn thе rеgіоn оf Vаlеnсіа. Clіmbіng thе Ifасh rосk gіvеѕ уоu thе сhаnсе tо gеt сlоѕе tо thе wіldlіfе аnd gіvеѕ уоu а 332 mеtrеѕ hіgh vіеw оf thе Cоѕtа Blаnса. Thіѕ асtіvіtу іѕ ѕuіtаblе fоr аll аgеѕ.

 

  1. Chосоlаtе Fасtоrу, Vіllајоуоѕа, Alісаntе

16. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Chосоlаdеfаbrіеk Vаlоr

Onе оf thе bеѕt сhосоlаtіеrѕ саn bе fоund іn thе рrоvіnсе оf Alісаntе, tаkе а ѕресіаl dау trір іѕ а vіѕіt tо thе Vаlоr Chосоlаtе Muѕеum іn Vіllајоуоѕа. Durіng а vіѕіt tо thе сhосоlаtе muѕеum, уоu саn lеаrn аll аbоut thе hіѕtоrу оf thіѕ dеlісіоuѕ сhосоlаtе, gеt а tоur оf thе сhосоlаtе fасtоrу аnd ѕtор аt thе ѕtоrе tо hаvе а tаѕtе.

 

  1. Hоrѕе rіdіng оn thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

17. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Hасkіng іn Mаllоrса

A fun fаmіlу асtіvіtу оn thе Cоѕtа Blаnса іѕ tо dіѕсоvеr thе rеgіоn hоrѕеbасk, а wоndеrful асtіvіtу fоr hоrѕе lоvеrѕ. Thеrе аrе numеrоuѕ rіdіng орроrtunіtіеѕ іn Sраіn fоr аll lеvеlѕ рluѕ, орроrtunіtіеѕ tо rіdе аlоng thе bеасh, соuntrуѕіdе оr аt nіght.

 

  1. Bоаt Trірѕ

18. 18 Fun Aсtіvіtіеѕ Fоr Thе Whоlе Fаmіlу On Thе Cоѕtа Blаnса

Tаbаrса Iѕlаnd Alісаntе

Onе оf thе сооlеѕt wауѕ tо dіѕсоvеr thе соаѕt оf thе Cоѕtа Blаnса іѕ bу bоаt. A bоаt trір іѕ а mеmоrаblе еxреrіеnсе, уоu саn ѕwіm іn thе dеер bluе wаtеrѕ оf thе Mеdіtеrrаnеаn, еxрlоrе bеаutіful bауѕ оr ѕіmрlу еnјоу thе brеаthtаkіng vіеwѕ оf сrаggу сlіffѕ аnd gоldеn ѕаndу bеасhеѕ.

 

Shаrе аrtісlе

 

Exploring Altea Old Town

Blanca Exploring Altea Old Town

Virgen del Consuelo church in Altea

The beautiful blue-and-white tiled church dome peeking out among the glistening white houses in Altea’s old town has become an icon of the Costa Blanca.

Sitting between the busy resort of Benidorm to the south and Calpe with its majestic Ifach rock to the north, Altea is a beautiful little resort to explore the 200 kilometres of the Costa Blanca coastline and its mountains.

Although Altea is just 10 kilometres from Benidorm it is a world apart in terms of its beauty, culture and visitors. It’s much quieter for a start and appeals to people seeking a tranquil holiday amid beautiful scenery. There are two main areas – along the beach and up in the old town.

town. Exploring Altea Old Town

Picturesque Altea old town with its cobbled streets

Altea old town looks typically Spanish with its pretty, narrow cobbled streets with white houses leading up to a beautiful central square. The whitewashed houses provide a clean canvas for the flowerbeds bursting with Mediterranean colours.

It’s no surprise that Altea attracts artists and photographers who are drawn in by the town’s charm, fantastic light and natural beauty.

There is so much to inspire someone with a creative eye from the cobbled streets, magnificent sea and mountain views, historic buildings or simply a cat lazing in a flowerbed in the sunshine.

flowerbed Exploring Altea Old Town

View from Altea old town

It’s a steep climb up to the old town so we’d advise you to take your time to catch your breath and enjoy the views over the beach and the sea.
Charming narrow, cobbled streets of Altea

It’s a charming place to wander through the little streets finding fabulous, family-run shops and restaurants while stumbling across some historic buildings which have made their mark in life in Altea.

Along the way you will see remains of the ancient walls and gateways which protected the hilltop town from pirates

pirates. Exploring Altea Old Town.

Altea’s pretty old town

In the 16th century the upper part of the old town was built to protect it from attacks. A castle was built on what is now the Plaza de la Iglesia with the upper town being surrounded by a wall with three gates. Today, just two of these gates remain – Vell Portal and Portal Nou.

Your tour could start at the Plaza del Convent just off the N332 main road running along the length of the Costa Blanca. Here you will find the Iglesia de San Francisco, an old Franciscan convent.

If you walk up from the Plaza del Convent, to the corner of the streets Calle Pont de Moncau and Calle La Sequia, you will find examples of two grand houses built for 19th century landowners – Casa Beneyto (casa de cultura) and the Pharmacy, which was the old chemist shop Farmacia Martinez.

Martinez Exploring Altea Old Town

View from Altea old town

Opposite are the pretty Escaleras del “Mestre de la Música”. This is where the climb really begins but it’s so beautiful to wander along the lovely cobbled street lined with whitewashed houses and shops with steps taking you up to the main square.

These steps are dedicated to the composer and musician Francisco Perez Devesa who directed many musical bands in Altea, Alfaz del Pi and Calpe. There are 255 wooden steps in the characteristic dark colours of Altea old town.

Before climbing the steps, go a little further up the road to the Barrio de Bellaguarda district to see where the defensive walls were built in the 14th century to protect the coast from marauding pirates. A few more steps and you get to the Plaza de la Cruz which is another pictuesque little square.

squares Exploring Altea Old Town

Off this plaza, turn up the Calle Costeros del Matxos road for the Portal Vell gateway, providing further evidence of the old walled city.
Dream scenes for artists in Altea

This is another dream for artists with the patterned cobbles and archways making a frame for the pretty buildings and squares.

Now we go through these charming streets to the beautiful Plaza de la Iglesia with its church, the Virgen del Consuelo, taking pride of place. This is a lovely, traditional Mediterranean square and it’s well worth grabbing a coffee in one of the bars so you can relax and take in the atmosphere.

It’s a superb church at the highest point of Altea with its famous blue-and-white tiled dome. The church was built in the 19th century in the style of a Latin cross with a stunning interior of classic gold and floral motifs. Look out for the ceramic shapes and dragons sculpted within the church.

Although the church itself was built in the19th century with work being completed in 1910, there has been a place of worship here for more than 900 years. It also bears the battle scars of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s when one of the bell towers was destroyed by Franco’s men.

men Exploring Altea Old Town

Iglesia Virgen del Consuelo church in Altea old town

The Virgen del Consuelo church dominates over one of the most picturesque squares on the Costa Blanca. It’s lined with bars, restaurants and shops so you can easily spend an afternoon here while enjoying the fabulous views over the Mediterranean and towards the hulking skyscrapers in Benidorm.

Look towards the sea from the square and you can see further evidence of the ancient walls which used to protect Altea.
Head for the hilltop church of Altea

It’s certainly worth popping in to the church to see the beautiful stained glass windows, the expansive use of gold, and the sculptures.

In and around the square, you will find little shops selling crafts, jewellery and paintings so you can pick up a unique souvenir of your time in Altea. There’s a lovely little art gallery in Calle Sant Josep and you can also check out cultural events in Altea at the Palau Altea with live music, theatre and exhibitions.

The beach resort’s place as a haven for artists has been given a further boost with a Fine Arts department of the Miguel Hernandez University in Elche setting up in the town, so bringing even more talented artists to Altea.

Altea Exploring Altea Old Town

Beach at Altea
Don’t forget the beaches in Altea

While in Altea, also visit the lovely beaches and seafront promenade brimming with cafes, bars and restaurants for refreshments.

You can get to Altea via the N332 coast road linking the Costa Blanca resorts which cuts through the middle of the town. The Denia to Benidorm train also stops at Altea station or you can get the tourist bus from Benidorm.

Guide to Denia’s golden, sandy beaches

 

 

Golden sandy beaches next to the shimmering turquoise Mediterranean act as a magnet for many holidaymakers in Denia. The beautiful resort in the north Costa Blanca area boasts 15 kilometres of coastline.

Families love the large beaches with children’s play area along Las Marinas while divers and snorkellers enjoy exploring along the little coves at Las Rotas. When the breeze gets up in the afternoons, surfers and kite surfers take to the waters to test their skills while riding the waves.

Denia is also a great place to go dolphin or humpback whale spotting as it is the coastal town in the Valencia region with the highest number of sightings.

The best place to look for these beautiful marine creatures is by the Cabo de San Antonio marine reserve.

Antonio Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

Las Marinas beach, Denia

Whether you’re looking for safe beach to paddle with your toddlers and build sandcastles, exploring what lies within the crystal-clear waters or relaxing in a quiet bay, Denia has a beach to suit you.

You can look for crabs, lobsters and fish within the rocky coves in the Las Rotas district. Between the Helios bar and Marineta Cassiana is a rocky path out to sea where you will see fishermen throwing out their lines for fresh fish or wading in the waters to look for octopus and squid.
La Cala

Las Rotas enjoys stunning scenery and is one of the prettiest parts of Denia. It has a few great seafood and paella restaurants where you can enjoy a meal on the terrace by the sea. It’s popular with walkers and dog walkers as well as people looking for a secluded, sheltered bay for sunbathing or snorkelling.

Cala Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

La Cala beach, Denia

La Cala is a pretty little bay at the foot of the beautiful Cabo de San Antonio headland separating Denia and Javea. It’s a quiet beach formed of rocks and gravel which is popular for snorkelling in the turquoise waters where you can see a posidonia underwater meadow.
Cala El Trampoli

Trampoli Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

Trampoli beach, Denia, Alicante

Also in Las Rotas is the scenic el Trampoli rocky beach which is perfect for diving and snorkelling. It’s another rocky beach with a popular seafood restaurant Pegoli and Helios bar within easy walking distance.

The wealth of marine life on the sea floor is a delight for snorkellers here. Because of its importance, it is a protected area with just 15 licences for diving issued each day from the tourism office.

El Pegoli restaurant, Las Rotas, Denia
La Marineta Cassiana

Heading towards Denia town centre, next to the marina filled with sleek boats and chic restaurants, is the very popular Marineta Cassiana beach.

Cassiana Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

View from Marineta Cassiana to the marina, Denia

It’s a small sandy beach which can get crowded in summer. It’s perfect for swimming in the calm waters or for practising water sports.

While bathing you can see the yachts leaving the marina or watch canoeists or surfers playing in the water. There’s a beach bar in the summer or there are several bars and restaurants across the road.

Yachts in Denia marina

It’s a safe Blue Flag beach with foot showers and disabled access. In summer, there are toilets, sunbeds with umbrellas and a lifeguard.

If Marineta Cassiana is too busy, there is another little beach just along the promenade heading towards Las Rotas. It’s not as clean but it’s fine for sunbathing or swimming.
Las Marinas

Las Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

Golden sandy beach at Las Marinas, Denia

Long, golden, sandy beaches as far as the eye can see have made this part of Denia a firm favourite with families. Children have plenty of space for building sandcastles or burying Dad in the sand while the shallow water makes it safe for paddling or swimming too.

Heading north from Denia marina and Port you will come across the Las Marinas area, which is the more touristy part of town. There’s a children’s play area, keep-fit equipment on the beach as well as summer beach bars.

Along the road opposite are dozens of bars and restaurants where you can cool off for a late lunch of paella, pizza or locally-caught fish.

The beaches along the Las Marinas stretch have Blue Flags, lifeguards in the summer and foot showers too.
Les Bovetes

Bovetes Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

Fishing at Las Marinas beach, Denia

Top favourite for families with children, Les Bovetes beach in the Las Marinas area of Denia has gorgeous fine, golden sand perfect for playing. It’s close to the town centre so you can combine a trip to the beach with a visit to the 11th century Denia castle or shopping.

The Blue Flag beach also attracts surfers and kitesurfers, which add a splash of colour between the deep blue skies and sea.

The beach has sunbeds and foot showers.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars on the main road behind the beach.
Els Molins

If Les Bovetes is too busy, Els Molins is a few metres north. Another Blue Flag beach with golden sands and disabled access. Surfers head for the beaches along this stretch of Las Marinas in the afternoons when (or if) the wind gets up.

Small boats can also gain access to the sea from Calle Mar Canibrica, Calle Llac san Marti and Calle Llac Tana.

Tana Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

Las Marinas beach, Denia
Playa l’Almadrava

Windsurfers also enjoy catching the warm afternoon breeze at l’Almadrava in Els Poblets. Another beautiful stretch of golden sands with shallow waters and beautiful coastal views have attracted sunbathers for many summers.

It’s an ideal spot for water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing or fishing.

fishing Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

Gym equipment by the beach at Denia
Les Deveses

At the far northern stretch of Denia is the beautiful Les Deveses beach stretching for more than 4 kilometres

In the summer, the warm southerly winds attract dozens of windsurfers so you can enjoy watching their acrobatics – or join in the fun.

Divers can also enjoy spotting different schools of fish or seeing the Posidonia nature reserve.

reserve Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

Denia beach
Eating out

You will not find it difficult to find somewhere to eat in Denia as the town has more than 300 restaurants ranging from cheap and cheerful tapas bars to the swanky Quique Dacosta restaurant with three Michelin stars.

If you’re heading for the Las Marinas beaches, the main Ctra Les Marines running alongside the beach is lined with restaurants specialising in a wide range of dishes including paellas, seafood, Italian, Chinese, German, Dutch or Indian.

Many restaurants have set-price lunchtime menus called ‘menu del dia’ which are great value for money.

The best places to try fresh seafood or paella dishes with a sea view are in the impressive restaurants in Las Rotas and Denia marina.

marina Guide to Denias golden, sandy beaches

Paella
Getting about

Denibus runs buses from Las Rotas in the south to the town centre and along Las Marinas. The Denia town centre to Las Marinas buses are not too frequent in winter but from June to September there are buses about every 20 minutes from 7am until 11.30pm.

The Las Rotas bus runs every hour all the year but only until about 9pm. Otherwise you will need a car or have to rely on taxis.

There is parking on streets near to the beaches but they get busy in the summer. There is a large car park by the port where the ferries run to the Balearic islands, and you can walk to the nearest Las Marinas beach from there.

Five best running routes in Alicante with the best views

 

As the Alicante region is one of the healthiest places to live it seems only fitting that it should have become a magnet for holidaymakers wanting to play sports, go cycling, hiking or running.

The Alicante region’s beautiful beaches and mountains are perfect outdoor running tracks. You can choose from a jog alongside the beaches, which offer flat routes for speed or gentle jogging or a harder challenge up the mountain trails. Either way, you will be rewarded with views of fabulous natural scenes.
Jog alongside Benidorm’s magnificent beaches

Benidorm Five best running routes in Alicante with the best views

We can start with a gentle beach run along the famous Benidorm beaches with its magnificent skyscrapers forming a backdrop to your left with the shimmering Mediterranean sea and Benidorm Island to your right.

The run begins on the Poniente beach at the southern end by Calle la Cala. A good time is at sunrise or just before sunset as the area is less crowded and the weather will be cooler, especially in the summer months.

If you really want to exercise the legs, you can run on the soft sand part of the way which can be hard work.

Jog along the promenade alongside the beach up to the Parque de Elche park, a lovely shady area that is well-loved by doves and pigeons.

Keep the sea to your right and head towards Benidorm yacht club and on your left you will find the steep steps taking you up to the famous Balcon with its beautiful square, iconic church and amazing views sweeping along the coast.

It’s a great place to stop to catch your breath and take in the views as you can really appreciate why Benidorm is known as the Spanish Manhattan as you count the number of skyscrapers lining the coast. You also get glorious views of Benidorm’s famous sandy beaches and you may see windsurfers or paragliders enjoying the views from another angle.

This jog is about 3.5kms so you could turn back or continue along Poniente beach to take you to the English quarter, well-known for its British bars and entertainment. It’s another 2.5kms from the Balcon to the far end of Levante beach but it is an easy, flat route along the promenade lined with bars and cafes.

Poniente beach – Balcon de Benidorm – Levante beach. Easy, flat route of 6kms.

Run alongside nature at her best in Jalon

Jalon Five best running routes in Alicante with the best views

This is another gentle run but this time you are surrounded by mountains and natural beauty as the route takes you alongside vineyards and almond orchards in the Jalon valley.

There is a choice of a short circular route of about 2kms alongside the riverbed or a longer run keeping alongside the river to Lliber, which is about 3kms one way.

 

The run starts along the Avenida del Juan Carlos 1 road, opposite the Bodega Xalo, where you can pick up some great wines and olive oil at bargain prices.

Head away from the bridge along the road keeping the riverbed to your left. Take the left turning at the roundabout along the Avenida de las Hortes and you’ll come to a crossroads with the left turning going over the river.

You can take this route to return to the Bodega Xalo but this time running on the other side of the river. For a longer route, head down the Cami del Moli de Lliber which is a good pathway surrounded by farmland leading to the pretty little village of Lliber.

The Jalon Valley is famous for its wine-making and is a very popular spot for cyclists and hikers as there are some fabulous routes.

More adventurous runners may fancy trying more testing routes from Jalon up the Sierra Bernia, a winding road taking you high up into the mountain.

Bodega Xalo circular route, easy running, 2kms or Bodega Xalo – Lliber 3kms.
Taking the Montgo mountain in your stride

Separating the beach towns of Javea and Denia is the impressive Montgo mountain, a haven for wildlife, birds and rare flowers. It is a popular route for cyclists and hikers with several routes of various difficulties available.

It’s a challenge for runners with some challenging uphill scrambles but, rest assured, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the coastline. On a clear day, you can see as far as the party island of Ibiza.

Montgo Five best running routes in Alicante with the best views

Ermita Pare Pere, Montgo

There are three routes starting from the charming Ermita del Pare Pere chapel on the Denia side of the Montgo. You can see the little cave where the friar Pare Pere prayed and meditated in the 17th century and the chapel built in his honour in the 1980s.

One is a three-hour circular tour of just over 4kms in total which will take around three hours. It’s of medium difficulty as there are some climbs as you head up to L’Aigua cove and the Raco del Bou cove.

Cars are not allowed so you can enjoy a peaceful run in a beautiful, natural setting. You may notice an aroma of lavender or herbs wafting across your path as these plants live in abundance along the track.

Heading up the track from the Pare Pere chapel, you’ll come to a fork in the track and you’ll need to take the east path to your left. Running uphill, the landscape becomes even more impressive with fabulous views across the bay up to Valencia and over the mountains.

Keeping to the eastern path, you’ll come across some steep steps heading up to the cave, which used to be a water reservoir.

There is an inscription in the rock dating to 238AD which is protected by a metal fence.

Going back down to the chapel, you’ll come across the Raco del Bou or Bull’s Corner, so called because of the mountain’s shape here.

Ermita de Pare Pere, Montgo – L’Aigua Cove – Ermita de Pare Pere. Medium difficulty and about 4kms.
Looking out for the Javea miradors

miradors Five best running routes in Alicante with the best views

A tough run taking in some or all of Javea’s 15 miradors or viewpoints is a brilliant way to really appreciate the town’s wonderful landscape and views.

It is about 30 kilometres in length with some steep hills to climb from Els Molins mills in the north along the coast to the stunning Granadella beach in the south.

Cabo de San Antonio between Javea and Denia

Every year, the Mirador Challenge is held with 100s of hardy runners and walkers attempting to complete the trail.

Our favourite route is about 6.5kms and starts at the Els Molins viewpoint on the edge of the Montgo and heads off to the Cabo de San Antonio cape with beautiful views across to Denia and Javea as well as over to the lighthouse and the Mediterranean.

We head back along the road as if going back to Els Molins but at the main road, turn left to run down into Javea Port, home to the fishing fleet and stunning sailing boats.

Els Molins – Cabo de San Antonio – Javea Port. Medium difficulty of 6kms.
Finding sanctuary in Font Roja natural park

A stunning inland nature park, Font Roja is a beautiful landscape with more than 1,000 species of aromatic herbs, green countryside, mountains and the crystal-clear Vinalopo river.

Our 12km run takes us from the recreation area with parking on the CV797 road. Head 50 metres from the car park to a walkway.

Keep going straight to jog up to the top of Menejador, which stands 1,365 metres high. The climb is worthwhile as you can see across to the valley of Alcoy and the Sierra de Mariola and Maigmo mountains.

You’ll be running through one of the finest Mediterranean forests in Spain as well as past the Coloma ice house.

CV797 Font Roja natural park – Menejador – CV797. Medium difficult of 12kms.

Remember to wear suitable clothing, especially footwear and carry enough suncream, water and a hat. Don’t walk in the hottest part of the day, especially in summer, as people have taken ill with exhaustion and had to be rescued.